Okay, so I've been developing the story and overall concept of this project over the past few years, but I've never really posted anything about it. Not that it's a big secret or anything, it's just something I don't mention much. Maybe it just boils down to not really wanting to spoil anything until the whole thing exists, all in one time and space, finally completed in fully playable game form, following with a book deal, a musical, a movie, a Macy's day parade float, etc... (just kidding.)
Today I figure I'll let a little bit of it out... like a wet fart you're saving for your significant other, it hurts to hold it all in for too long ;D
So, from time to time, I'm going to present you all with a sample... OF MY SHORTS :D
A Request from the Next Mr. President
A Request from the Next Mr. President Setting : Miran Embassy, East Karcer Time : Approximately 17:00 hours
* Mack and Alex step into the embassy and are immediately greeted by a doorman followed by 4 uniformed guards in commemorative royal attire which includes some tall, doofy looking furry hats mixed with some fancy bells and frills. Definitely not the field gear that they're used to seeing or wearing. Then again, different countries, different attire.
Door Man : Do you have your Miran Delegates Gold Membership Card? Alex : Is this some kind of joke? I don't know man, the Governor of Lucian, Mirania has called us here for... whatever reason. Real official envelope, Chimera stamp and all! It said our presence is required by federal law, the General even said it's... Door Man : Oh! I must see the letter, hand it over please!
* Mack hands over the envelope.
Door Man : Hehe, yes. Right this way.
* Mack and Alex traverse into a swank bedroom with a small writer's table and a queer looking gentleman sitting upon a burgundy chair which appears to be too small for him to even be sitting on.
??? : Good day fellas, Alex and Mack, my name is John Stroker and I am a personal aide for Miran Vice Presidential Nominee Colby J Pentagraham of Ember Way, Electra. Mack : I don't... think I've heard of... who? Alex : Wait... didn't he used to be a doctor? John : Yes, that's him! Mack : It's too bad that his attempts at time travel ended in bloody failure. Alex : Remind me why I don't sign up for those "trial experiments". It's too bad he didn't jump into the machine himself. John : That's why he recruits volunteers, because he's got more important business to attend to! Besides, the man signed a release form, he knew what he was in for. So...
* Alex and Mack exchange odd looks between themselves and VP nominee aid John.
John : Anywho, it seems Ricky Dean is destined to take office, and he personally requested that I get in contact with you two gentlemen. Alex, he seems to be interested in putting you in charge of a private security sector, similar to an O-9 pay grade but with less legal restriction. Mack, he requests you to be his personal aid! Mack : You forgot to include the M in bitch! John : E...excuse me?! Alex : Eh? Maid, bitch, same thing. Mack : Ricky wants to appoint me to a position where I'm obligated to clean up after or perform his dirty work. Probably down on my knees or on all fours. I get it! I've worked with him for way longer than you've known him. John : Old war buddies, yeah? Mack : Buddies? Oh brother... John : What about you, Alex? Mack : DON'T. SIGN. ANYTHING. Last time I needed a cavity filled, I went to sign the insurance papers and got a promotion I didn't even knew I signed up for. Really? A military contract mixed into the fine print of a dental forum? Some sneaky jackass that guy is... John : Alex? Alex : Wait, what's the pay grade again?
* Mack walks out, slamming the door behind him.
What is your opinions and predictions on this excerpt, the characters and the situations presented? Let me know and I'll probably release another piece within the next week or so if you guys enjoyed this one.
Hello and welcome back to Echoside : The Shorts, where I take bigger pieces of my game plot and spoil them here.
Our party leader, Lindsey, used to get a lot of shit from the boys and they'd always give her the boring missions. "Oh, I think you'd make a great secretary," Alex would say, and others seemed a bit sexist too. Mack, being an older and more sincere gentleman, stepped down as the captain and promoted her to his position. He too had an ulterior motive, as he wanted to enjoy an early "retirement" while still being enlisted as active duty, so he gets her permission to relax on a remote "surveillance" mission while she gets ready for her date with a warlord.
Anywho, wacky shenanigans ensue after her first mission as captain.
Disturbing Surveillance
Disturbing Surveillance Setting : Chavo Gwar Military Base Time : Approximately 22:00 hours Scenario : The crew had completely taken over the Chavo Gwar Military base, a small fortification once home to none other than Chavo Gwar and his band of terrorists. Upon taking over the facility, they've started a surveillance op on the Chilkaid warlord.
* Lindsey walks into the compound where Mack and Alex sit in front of a laptop.
Lindsey : Hey guys! Mack : So... I see your date went well. Alex : He did scoff at your gift though. Seemed a little off-put that you didn't put out. Lindsey : How rude! It was your stupid idea to be giving a dangerous warlord a teddy bear of all things. I mean, a teddy bear, are you for real?
* Mack and Alex exchange grins, Lindsey rolls her eyes. Mack then turns towards the computer screen.
Mack : Hey, some warlords have a soft spot for stuffed animals and other cute things, it makes them feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Alex : You'd be surprised. Mack : Mhm. Lindsey : You boys are talking about a man with no heart!
* An awkward second or two goes by. The teddy bear gift is actually a surveillance camera they're using to spy on Chavo.
Alex : Oh look, Gwar is talking to another lass... are you jealous? Lindsey : As if! Do you even realize how bad his breath smelled? A couple times he got a little too close, I wanted to hit the panic button and let Denzel take care of him. Mack : Shh... surveillance time, sweetie.
* A few silent seconds go by. A cricket begins it's song.
Lindsey : That poor woman, oh my... Mack : And he just throws her out like that.
* Some more brief seconds go by with cricket in the background.
Alex : I think... Mack : He's going right for the teddy bear.... Alex : Ah! He's got a knife, he's gonna discover our camera... Lindsey : See, you guys are friggin' morons!
* The trio stare at the video feed on the laptop, each with a puzzled look on their faces.
Lindsey : Oh... my... GOD! Mack : It seems he's found some real pleasure with your little... gift. Lindsey : That is so gross! Alex : I'm gonna... just step out and have a cigarette! Lindsey : I order you to stay! Alex : But captain... Lindsey : Yeah, you ladies enjoy your retirement on surveillance duty, the boys and I are going to suit up and drill for the next mission. Mack : On second thought, can I go? Alex : Me too, me too, I wanna go captain! Lindsey : I can take one of you boys, but somebody has to stay on surveillance duty...
* Prompt the party select screen, create a party of 2. Lindsey is already locked in as party leader, only Alex or Mack can come, or she can opt to leave them both in the room. Either way, there are other members to pick that reside elsewhere in the facility.
There is lots of way too serious overtone with the project's story, most of it being the tragedies of war and the dangers of being a soldier, but occasionally I throw in some comedic gems like this. Lindsey is one of my personal favorite characters and I think she makes a strong female lead. The moment she steps into the limelight of the story, I can only do my best to make it memorable :D
That was awesome. Even before the mission begins, we see some foreshadowing on how vicious and cruel the warloard Chavo Gwar is, along with his... baser intincts. You also get a feel for the main characters in the few breif minutes of dialogue. Really liking this so far.
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@JayRay : Thank you for taking time checking it out and leaving a comment! Sorry for the slow response, knowing somebody is reading and enjoying it is much appreciated!
-
Much has happened between the previous chapters and the current one about to be leaked. Ricky Dean has been elected president, Chavo Gwar is still being a terrorist shit head, agent Alex has taken charge of a private security sector, and Lindsey's unit has heavily upgraded their combat capabilities by discovering a previously unknown technology, the C130 Stealth Buggy being one of them.
"What is the C130 Stealth Buggy," you ask?
It's believed to be an ancient caravan vehicle with low end stealth capabilities, having a max capacity of hauling 20 passengers across rugged terrain. Fall backs of this automobile is it lacks weaponry, it's not very stable, and its unconventional build puzzles military mechanics and engineers.
No Country For Old Men
No Country For Old Men Setting : Salter, Chilkaid Time : Approx 03:00 hours Scenario : This is Mack's (supposed) last mission. Destination is Magnus Sanctus, a neutral territory where the team plan to debrief and return to HQ. The crew travel via C130 Stealth Buggy.
Johnny : We're about six kilometers from Magnus Sanctus, heading due south. Intelligence reports indicate light hostiles en route. Shouldn't be much of an issue though, already mapped out an evasive path. Mack : Yeah, yeah, yeah... I'm ready to put on my penny loafers and play some golf! Johnny : Heh... Really now? Mack : Really! Lindsey : We're not out of the shit storm yet, don't be going 'old man' on me now. Mack : Old man?! You better watch how you talk to your elders, young lass! Lindsey : And you better watch how you speak to your superior officer, senior lieutenant!
* With Lindsey and Mack exchanging hugs, the group sits back and chuckles.
Lindsey : It's been a pleasure to work under your guidance and leadership, even if you are an ol' dirty bastard! Mack : Hey, I'm still as hip as the youngin's! So hip that I might use my life savings to put out a hip album. Paulo : A... hip album? Mack : It's a part of our youth culture movement, you wouldn't understand. Paulo : I didn't take two years of Western Culture classes for nothing! Johnny : Ha, coulda fooled me! If you ever get a proper passport, I'll have to take you to the strip mall or something, I'll buy you one of those 'hip hop' albums. Paulo : No thanks, you westerners have turned me into a xenomorph. Lindsey : Xeno... morph? Do you mean xenophobe? Paulo : No probes, please! Read the diplomatic cables, I have.
* Brief sound of gunfire is heard in the distance.
Lindsey : Do you think Alex will uphold the oath? Johnny : A comfy position like that? Ha! Corporate lobbyists know how to really change a man... Mack : It's unfortunate, but ya never know. Then again, he barely passed aptitude testing, reaching exactly the minimum score required.
* An encrypted broadcast frequency comes in via X-COM.
X-COM : Attention Unit 17, insurgents are attempting a seige situation in Liam District, so far reports indicate 6 casualties. Satellite imagry is having trouble assessing the situation, intelligence officials in the field are believed to be dead. Are you willing and capable of handling the situation until ground troops arrive?
* Everybody looks at Mack, prompting him to spit out his coffee.
Mack : What the heck ya'll looking at me for?! She's the man!
Johnny : What are your orders, commander? * Choice 1 : Affirmative, we're on our way!
The short answer: It's science fiction of a cyber-punk nature, somewhat inspired by authors such as Tom Clancy (RIP) and others.
The long answer
While it would most likely be considered a "cyber punk" fantasy, it's a post modern science fiction tale which loosely correlates with reality. Elements of the world indicate geopolitical conflicts, headbutting between religious sects, great empires and tyrannical governments, things of that nature. Third person narrative takes place between various key military groups, such as the special forces unit Mack and Lindsey are in charge of, as well as the Berzerker unit which Martinez and company belong to, giving the audience a broader view of international affairs.
The biggest challenge of the story is moral disambiguation but, once more intelligence is collected, the audience might shift their judgements, sometimes realizing the justification (or lack thereof) of past interactions. Of course we should stay true to our modus operandi, but do we continue to follow our leaders' orders, or do we strike out on our own to repent for seemingly unjustified campaigns? Some issues are simply beyond our control or understanding, but we'll be damned if we don't at least attempt to to reach for the greater good.
The dialog itself purposely doesn't take itself too seriously, humor is presented to lighten the load of how bad things really are. Once the audience is able to interact with the world, they'll realize they're about to take a horrific trip down the rabbit hole.
Another short about another terrorist whom supposedly set up a job to kill some folks and kidnap their children for military brainwashing and biological experiments. Quincy D Mareno is an aspiring young rapper from the Chilkaid badlands whom has a foul mouth and inspires rebellion and violent geopolitical extremism.
(NOTE : The new format LOOKS long only because it's all been formatted to message box standards, but this truly is a short scene. I read it in 2 minutes, 21 seconds and that's not even speed reading. The scene itself should only last maybe 3 or 4 minutes in-game. I try to keep cut scenes as brief as I can, but not so much that it compromises characterization.)
But What About the Children?!
But What About The Children?! Time : Approx 03:45 Setting : Camp Firestorm, Chamber of Isolation Scenario : Mack interrogates an alleged terrorist mastermind, Quincy D Mareno.
* Sitting within a damp, faintly lit room with a bag over his head, suspected terrorist leader Quincy D Mareno awaits questioning. A lone lightbulb swings above head and all that can be heard is a calm heart beat and the dripping of a pipe.
QD Mareno
"C'mon guys, I'm ready to talk..."
QD Mareno
"This is fucked! I know you're just sitting
there, behind some one way glass, just
checkin' out the bling. You see me ridin'
clean cut, not a spec of dust."
QD Mareno
"No dust, no rust, candy painted converible
Clean shaved, new suit, what the heck you hatin' fo?"
* The door creaks open.
QD Mareno
"Aha! Yes, finally. Let's get this show on
the road!"
* Mack steps in smoking a cheap cigar. He removes the bag from QD's face.
Mack
"You know... I'm not really fond of that rap crap.
Apparently, I left my ball gag at home with the
wife, I'll have to remember to bring it next time."
QD Mareno
"You don't find my flows dope? You a cold man..."
Mack
"Flows? Dope? What I don't find 'dope', home
fry, is the fact that you're on my top ten list."
QD Mareno
"Wha? I made the charts? My album ain't dropped yet."
Mack
"No, our top ten wanted terrorist leaders list. You're
actually number six, we weren't really intending to
find you yet."
QD Mareno
"Ah, yeah, I'm a popular guy, yo! So... what's this
all about again?"
Mack
"We've received some intel on the Rockford mission,
it seems your boss assigned YOU to do the job."
QD Mareno
"Me? Nah man, I'm just a pretty face. A spokesperson.
Y'know, a PR guy, somebo-"
Mack
"I don't really give a shit either way. What I want to know
is who is this boss man? Where did they take those
children?"
QD Mareno
"...I really don't know. They don't tell me nothin', they
just give the orders. I wish I knew, they got my kids
too yo!"
Mack
"Well then... tell us who you think MIGHT know and
I'll personally ask the president if we can let you go.
Then maybe we can get your kids back and kick
some ass on the way."
QD Mareno
"Really?! You ain't gonna hold me in here for a couple
years and torture me? You gon' help me get my kiddos
back?"
Mack
"What? No, god no, why torture a man? Well...
I mean, unless the president gives the order..."
Mack
"NOT that I'd want to go down that road. I mean,
we all know you've been forced into this against
your own will..."
QD Mareno
"Yeah, yeah man! Totally! Y'know, you're not
such a bad guy after all."
Mack
"And neither are you."
* Mack unlocks the restraints and gives Mareno the cigar.
QD Mareno
"Really man?"
Mack
"Ah hell, why not? We don't torture and brutally slaughter
our POWs, especially if they haven't been to a proper
trial yet... at least most of us don't."
* Mack begins to walk out the door.
Mack
"We just passively attempt to kill them slowly by exporting
our cheap cigars to them."
* Mack walks out.
QD Mareno
"WAIT!"
* Mack returns.
Mack
"Can I help you?"
QD Mareno
"Yeah man... I guess I'll give up the goods."
Mack
"Goods?"
QD Mareno
"Those children, from what I heard, are being held
in Camp Pendulum, east of Vanhalensbad. Also..."
QD Mareno
"Your intel states that I set up the Rockford job? No, all
I did was draw potential recruits in with my dopeness,
the security company happened to be on scout duty for
that 'Chavo Gwar' guy."
Mack
"Well shit, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
QD Mareno
"You said my flows ain't dope."
* Mack begins to walk out of the room.
QD Mareno
"YOU JUST DON'T KNOW GOOD MUSIC!"
Mack
"...Good music hasn't been produced since
the 90s. I hate to admit it, but I like some
rap. Your, uh, 'flows' are garbage and don't even
rhyme half the time."
* Mack steps out, slamming the door behind him.
QD Mareno
"You experienced the 90's?! OLD MAN!!!"
* The light clicks off, the only thing visible is the cherry of the burning cigar.
The original story story I've been spoiling, while the game is in mid-development, the actual writing for it has been more or less "finished" since early 2012 and I don't really want to *spoil* the entire thing. I do hope the little nuggets I've put on display were enjoyable, but I'm keeping the rest of it a surprise until the project is finished.
With that said, I've started a second story; is it a prequel, is it a completely new world? I'm not sure at this point, but I do know I'm going to focus less on technology and more on magic and (fictional) religion in this iteration. Whatever allusions it may make to the original, this one goes further back in time and expands on mythology and legends which were only hinted about in the first installment.
Echoside II : Introduction
Echoside II : Introduction Setting :A Mysterious Ruins Time :Midnight Scenario :An occult leader forces a sacrificial group of slaves
to retrieve precious artifacts from a cursed and mysterious
temple ruins.
-
Narration
When man seeks riches beyond their wildest
dreams, one can only imagine how far one
might go.
Nevertheless, only through hindsight do
they ever realize the cost... yet, will
they ever learn?
* The black screen fades into the setting; a
view of the night sky, with the title's logo,
which fades. The view slowly pans down over
an ancient fortress.
* The camera continues to pan down until it's
finally focused on the group; a crowd of
hooded cultists, as well as their slaves in
the middle.
Cultist 1
Come hither my little canaries, it is time
to earn your keep.
Slave 1
...N.. no, I don't know wh-
Cultist 2
SILENCE!
* Cultist 2 physically strikes Slave 1.
Cultist 1
You heathens will go in there and fetch us
something good; thus repentance for such
disobedience for not accepting Lord Xeon as
your almighty savior.
Cultist 2
Lest you are to survive, may he have mercy
on your soul.
* The cult members push the slaves into the
dungeon and block the main passage out.
* It is at this time the player may move. The menu has been unlocked,
but there is no Party, Config or Save function. Each "Slave" is named as
"????" for now, and they each come equipped with what we'd refer to
as the "bare minimum". Names may be randomly picked or generated,
along with each character's appearance.
- On Action : Player attempts to leave.
Cultist 1
Do you choose to disobey Lord Xeon?!
On Choice : Yes
Cultist 1
Blasphemy! Off with your heads!
* Triggers Battle : Cult Leader, Cult Member (x5). This fight
is purposely statistically impossible (without cheating). The player's
party will quickly be annihilated, triggering a Game Over!
On Choice : No
* Cultist 1 turns Slave 1 around and kicks him in the rear, nudging
him forward into the dungeon.
-
* This dungeon is rather linear and there are no monsters to
encounter. The player has to pick one of the eight vault doors
to blow, each containing an elemental glyph. This choice will
influence the attributes of a certain character later on in the
game.
* Once the player has picked a vault door, the dynamite is set.
Each character backs away from the explosion, then steps
inside to be confronted by a dangerous elemental deity.
* Triggers Battle : <Elemental> Diety. A particular deity based
on the elemental vault the player picked. This battle is scripted
as three of the four person party is killed. When there is only one
member standing, they respond...
Slave 1
GO AHEAD, KILL ME!
...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
* The scene begins to violently shake as the deity charges into
a giant mass of energy. The view switches to the crowd of occult
members outside the temple, who are also being blinded by the
light.
* Once the light fades out, a giant star entity, along with many
smaller ones, burst out and fly past the occult group, knocking
some of them over.
Cultist 2
No, they must've awoken one of the guardians! Lord Xeon, we
need you evermore!
Cult Leader
I was afraid this would've happened... I-I mean... yes! This...
Cultist 1
What is it, sire?
Cult Leader
The guardian! I think...
...Yes, thank you Lord Xeon!
Cultist 2
...Sir?
Cult Leader
We can tame this wild demon, and commit their services to
our cause.
Cultist 1
Lord Xeon...
Cult Leader
He who hath confirmed our next mission; we have permission
to hunt that... that thing, and break its will, consume it's soul!
Cultist 2
Yes Lord Xeon, as you wish!
Cult Leader
May he who lives within lead us all to great power and great
prosperity! Thank you for your infinite blessings! Xeon!
Cultist (Multiple)
Amen!
* The occult group leaves. As they trail down the mountains,
rainfall begins as dark clouds and thick fog roll in.
* The scene switches to the world map, where the Xeon cult
leave the temple grounds and enter a decorated sail ship. As
they sail away from the island, the temple is engulfed in a
whirlwind of sand and sinks into the ground.
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